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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-09 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL October 9, 2006— 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President, Dennis Robertson, called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Dennis Robertson, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Pam Linder, and Verna Griffin. Council President Robertson stated that Councilmember Haggerton would not be in attendance due to a scheduled vacation. ATTENDANCE Steve Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; David Haynes, Police Chief; Jack Pace, Deputy Community Development Director; Kathy Stetson, Code Enforcement Officer; Joyce Trantina, Code Enforcement Officer; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Diane Jenkins, Council Assistant; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Introduction of New Parks and Recreation Department employees; John Dunn, Facilities Program Coordinator; DeForrest Phelps, Youth and Teen Coordinator Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director, indicated that DeForrest Phelps is ill today and unable to attend the meeting. Mr. Fletcher introduced John Dunn, Facilities Program Coordinator. Mr. Dunn was previously employed at the University of Idaho Recreation Center, where he managed a large facility. He has a Recreation Management Degree as well as a Master's Degree from Washington State University, and comes to Tukwila with a great deal of experience with customer service. The Councilmembers welcomed Mr. Dunn to the City of Tukwila. Update on Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration; Deborah Salas, Executive Director Deborah Salas, Executive Director of Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration (TCSC) provided information regarding the future of this program. Currently TCSC has adequate financing through the 2007 school year, however, funding options will need to be secured for 2008 and beyond. TCSC relies on multiple grants, some of which will be cut back for 2008. Ms. Salas indicated long -term sustainability of the program's infrastructure is being requested of those with a vested interest in TCSC. Ms. Salas also stated TCSC will be celebrating its five years of service with an event on October 20, 2006 at Acme Bowl from 6:00 -9:00 pm. All are invited to attend. The Councilmembers thanked Ms. Salas for the presentation and for her work with the Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration. PROCLAMATIONS A proclamation designating the month of October as National Code Enforcement Month Mayor Mullet read a proclamation designating October as National Code Enforcement Month in the City of Tukwila, urging all citizens to observe this month by becoming aware of the dedication and City of Tukwila Page 2 of 5 Citv Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 9. 2006 commitment to the improvement of the quality of life in our neighborhoods, by supporting those who are working towards this end and by participating in community efforts to achieve these goals. Mayor Mullet presented the proclamation to Kathy Stetson and Joyce Trantina, Code Enforcement Officers. The Councilmembers thanked the Code Enforcement staff for the good work they perform for the City. CITIZEN COMMENT Chuck Parrish, 14120 34 Place South, introduced Mr. Conrad Muller to the Council. Mr. Muller is a new resident to the City of Tukwila, living in the Duwamish area. Conrad Muller, 11614 40 Avenue South, conveyed that he has a daughter who attends Showalter Middle School and is glad to be living in Tukwila. The Councilmembers welcomed Mr. Muller to the City and thanked him for his attendance at the meeting. SPECIAL ISSUES a. A resolution to join the National League of Cities "Partnership for working toward inclusive communities." Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on September 26, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. This topic was also discussed by the Equity and Diversity Commission and was brought forward by Councilmember Verna Griffin who is also a member of the Equity and Diversity Commission. The National League of Cities (NLC) and its members, including Tukwila, believe an inclusive community promotes citizen participation and engagement. In partnership with NLC, the City of Tukwila reaffirms its commitment to inclusion as a fundamental aspect of our community by approving a resolution to join NLC "Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities." The Councilmembers discussed this issue and expressed support for the proposed resolution with the addition of the following three 'Whereas" clauses and an addition to the fourth "Whereas" clause: 1. WHEREAS, Tukwila is a diverse community with residents and business people of many races, cultures, and religions from around the globe; and 2. WHEREAS, Tukwila residents and business people are diverse in terms of age, sexual orientation, and physical and mental challenges; and 3. WHEREAS, the City of Tukwila believes that the diversity of its residents and business people is an important asset; and The words "City of Tukwila" should be added after the word the in the fourth WHEREAS clause. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING b. WRIA9 Interlocal Agreement for Green River, Duwamish, and Central Puget Sound Watersheds. Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on September 26, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Approval is being requested to authorize the Mayor to execute an interlocal agreement to be signed by County and City governments who have a major interest in the Green River, Duwamish River, and Central Puget Sound Watersheds within WRIA9. These agencies share interests in and are responsible for addressing longer -term watershed planning and conservation of the aquatic ecosystem; providing collective planning, funding, and implementation of various activities and projects to improve the overall City of Tukwila Page 3 of 5 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 9, 2006 health of the Green River, Duwamish River, Central Puget Sound watersheds and Puget Sound; developing recommendations to restore Puget Sound; and identifying and implementing salmon conservation and recovery actions. Each party of the agreement will appoint one elective official to serve as its primary representative. The estimated cost to the City of Tukwila in 2007 is $10,232, and the term of the agreement would be from 2007 -2015 and may be extended for additional terms. Mayor Mullet provided background information on formation of Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIAs) in the Puget Sound region. Seven years ago there was a great deal of concern about ways in which to protect endangered species. Formation of the WRIAs has proven to be a successful means of establishing priorities and action plans to improve the situation. Mayor Mullet introduced Dennis Clark, Public Outreach /Stewardship Coordinator, Green /Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watershed WRIA9). Mr. Clark utilized a Powerpoint presentation to illustrate information on the history, accomplishments, and future plans for Water Resource Inventory Area #9. This collaborative effort involves 17 local governments that have been working on planning for salmon habitat recovery and funding and implementation of habitat improvements since 1998. The purpose of the new agreement will be to fund a four person Watershed Coordination Services team, provided under contract by King County. It will also support implementation of the Salmon Habitat Plan during 2007 -2015 and will focus on grant writing; assisting cities in carrying out policies and programs; and participating in key Puget Sound -wide initiatives. The Councilmembers expressed support for the proposed interlocal agreement and thanked Mr. Clark for the informative presentation. Councilmember Hernandez indicated the interlocal agreement references an Exhibit Al that was not included in the agenda packet. Mayor Mullet conveyed the exhibit would be included in the upcoming agenda materials. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING c. A resolution in support of Transit Now. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on October 9, 2006 and a presentation was provided at the October 2, 2006 Council meeting. The Transit Now initiative will provide additional funding by increasing the sales tax by one -tenth of one percent that would be dedicated to new and expanded transit service throughout King County. The committee members recommended approval with modifications to the resolution as follows: In the first WHEREAS clause, after the word support, `and' should be changed to "an" and the word "in" should be inserted after the word increase. In the third WHEREAS clause, the words "including Tukwila routes" should be added after the word heaviest. In the fourth WHEREAS clause, the words "including one in Tukwila" should be added after the word corridors. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING d. Review of 2007 Proposed Budget and CIP. 8:18 Council President Robertson declared a five minute break. 8:29 Council President Robertson re- opened the Committee of the Whole meeting. Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director, utilized a Powerpoint presentation to provide information regarding the 2007 budget process and schedule for adoption. Mr. Fuhrer provided an overview of 2007 budget highlights, revenue and expenditure breakdowns, and target dates for completion. It is intended that the City of Tukwila Page 4 of 5 Citv Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 9, 2006 public hearing on the 2007 budget be conducted on November 20, 2006 and that the budget be adopted at a Special Meeting on December 11, 2006. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet reported that visitors from Tukwila's Sister City of Ikawa will be arriving next week to partake in various activities in the area. b. Council Councilmember Hernandez attended the October 3, 2006 Tukwila Government Affairs Committee meeting. The attendees were provided an update on the Southcenter Square Development. At this time, Kohl's Department Store has indicated they will be a tenant at the facility. The Tony Roma's restaurant may move to Westfield Shopping Town, and the parking garage near Sears should be open in November. The mall food court will close for 1.5 years due to the remodeling project which should be complete by August of 2008. Ms. Hernandez also attended the October 5, 2006 Equity and Diversity Commission meeting. The commission intends to use AWC grant funds for translation services for the "Latino Think Tank" to assist parents with understanding school related needs. Councilmember Hernandez also attended a benefit event for Sister Cities at the Tukwila Riverside Inn. There were 60 Japanese soccer players visiting this area for the event, and they conveyed to Ms. Hernandez how impressed they were with the Tukwila Community Center. Councilmember Carter attended a Seattle Chamber of Commerce meeting on October 3, 2006 where the focus was on the Transit Now initiative. On October 4, 2006 she attended an open house at the Tukwila School District Administration office. Dr. Priscilla Bell, President of Highline Community College, provided information on new initiatives to assist ESL students with career training. Last week Ms. Carter visited San Francisco to review their process regarding passenger only ferries, as this issue will have significance in the Puget Sound area in the future. Next week Councilmember Carter will be hosting the AWC Legislative Conference at the Tukwila Community Center. Councilmember Linder indicated she has received multiple complaints regarding dog issues in Tukwila. She has spoken to staff members from King County Animal Control, and issues still need to be resolved regarding Tukwila's contract for services. Council President Robertson and Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, will pursue further communications with the County to move forward in the process. Councilmember Griffin attended the October 5, 2006 Equity and Diversity Commission meeting. A series of meetings will take place with members of the "Latino Think Tank" to assist parents to better serve their children's school related needs. Ms. Griffin reported she will be hosting two students from Ikawa during the Sister City visit. c. Staff There was no report. d. City Attorney The City Attorney was not present. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Duffie indicated tours of the Sound Transit inside rail will be available to the Councilmembers. Those wishing to attend should contact Diane Jenkins, Council Assistant, to make arrangements. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 5 Citv Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 9. 2006 ADJOURNMENT 9:28 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. Christy O'Flahe Dennis Robertson, Council President OF uty City Clerk